Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 10: Comedian Kunal Kamra has struck a defiant tone before a Maharashtra legislature privileges committee, stating that he has no regrets over his remarks targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and refusing to issue an apology.

The committee was constituted after a breach of privilege notice was moved against Kamra following a complaint over his comments. During the hearing, Kamra reportedly maintained that he stood by his statements.

Taking to social media after the proceedings, Kamra reiterated his stance, saying he would not offer what he termed an “insincere” apology. “Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No… I can't apologise as it would not be sincere and would set a bad precedent for artistic freedom,” he stated.

Privileges committee chairman Prasad Lad said the complaint was filed by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar. He added that around 24 questions were posed to Kamra during the cross-examination, which also touched upon constitutional rights and the powers of the privileges committee.

According to Lad, the panel indicated that the matter could be viewed differently if Kamra tendered an unconditional apology. However, Kamra’s legal counsel said they would respond in writing after deliberation.

The controversy dates back to a performance at the Habitat Comedy Club last year, where Kamra referred to Shinde as a “traitor” in reference to the 2022 political rebellion that split the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray.

The remark, delivered through a parody of a song from the Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, sparked outrage among Shinde’s supporters, with party functionary Rahul Kanal and others allegedly vandalising the venue.

Despite the backlash and ongoing proceedings, Kamra has remained firm in his position, condemning the violence while refusing to retract his statements.